Plant for the generation of mechanical energy, and a process for generating the energy

Abstract

A plant for the generation by means of a gaseous fluid of mechanical energy comprising an assembly consisting of a gas turbine (1) with a combustion chamber (4) and a compressor unit (C) driven by a turbine (T). The turbine (T) is fed by compressed air from the unit (C) after its passage through a main heat exchanger (3) arranged in the exhaust of the gas turbine (1). The outlet (10) of the compressor-turbine (T) is in fluid communication with the combustion chamber (4).

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A plant for the generation of mechanical energy by using a fluid, the plant comprising: (a) a gas turbine;   (b) a plurality of compressor units;   (c) a plurality of compressor turbines for driving the compressor units, the compressor turbines being connected in series with the compressor units;   (d) a combustion chamber connected with the gas turbine, the expanded air from the compressor turbines being directed into the combustion chamber;   (e) a main heat exchanger being disposed between the compressor turbines and the compressor units, the exhaust from the gas turbine being directed through the main heat exchanger;   (f) an interim heat exchanger being disposed between the compressor units;   (g) a first external heat exchanger being disposed downstream of the main heat exchanger; and   (h) a second external heat exchanger being disposed between the last compressor turbine and the combustion chamber of the gas turbine; wherein the first and the second external heat exchangers enable a predetermined h/p ratio to be achieved between the thermal power given off in the interim and the external heat exchangers and the mechanical power delivered to the gas turbine.     
     
     
       2. The plant according to claim 1, wherein an efficiency level of 35% is achieved. 
     
     
       3. The plant according to claim 1, wherein the plant operates in the region of between 50 and 3000 kW. 
     
     
       4. The plant according to claim 1, further comprising an injector disposed in the combustion chamber, the injector being in fluid connection with a water storage tank, the water storage tank being connected between the compressor units on the cooling side of the interim heat exchanger to further reduce the emission of NO x . 
     
     
       5. The plant according to claim 1, further comprising: (i) means for raising the temperature of the fluid stream of the compressor turbines.